Olympic-caliber athletes will again converge at Mission Bay from April 18-20 for the Omegawave World Triathlon, one of eight International Triathlon Union (ITU) races around the world.

The triathlon returns to San Diego for its second year of the sport’s birth with multiple days of events, including new events like the USA Triathlon Club National Championships, a sprint-distance high-school championship event and ITU parathriathlete race.

Also new this year is the Fiesta Island World Record Contest, a “race within a race” that will gauge triathletes’ fastest cycling times for the right to earn the title of Fiesta Island world record holders.

“Timing mats on Fiesta Island will record each age group competitor’s split on the loop around the island and awards will be given in a number of age categories,” said USA Triathlon spokesman John Martin. “The sport of triathlon was founded on Fiesta Island in 1974 and this contest is an exciting way for today’s age-group athletes to honor the roots of the sport.”

USA Triathlon, co-producer of the event with Hamburg-based UpSolut Sports AG and Lagardere Unlimited and title sponsor Omegawave, will kick off the race weekend with an expo, featuring the latest in triathlete gear, trends and apparel at Bonita Cove Park, followed by its annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Bahia Resort Hotel at 5:30 p.m. on April 18.

The women’s elite race begins at 3:30 p.m. on April 19 from Bonita Cove, followed by a full day of age group-based Olympic distance, aquabike, sprint distance and paratriathlon events at Ventura Cove on April 20. The multi-day triathlon event will conclude with the men’s elite race at 4 p.m. from Bonita Cove.

“The Omegawave World Triathlon San Diego is the only event of its kind in the United States and offers the Mission Bay community the unique chance to watch some of the world’s top athletes compete in its backyard,” said Martin. “Also, the event will be broadcast around the globe on television, so the beautiful Mission Bay community will be showcased worldwide.”

Among the elite triathletes this year are more than 50 who competed at the 2012 Olympic games, including four medalists.

“The pro races are fast and extremely spectator friendly,” said Martin. “With multiple laps on the swim, bike and run, fans can watch the races unfold right before them.”

Volunteer and athlete registration are still open for the event. To sign up or to learn more about event details, visit sandiego.triathlon.org.

TRAFFIC

Residents should visit sandiego.-triathlon.org/event_information/traffic for more information on event weekend traffic, road closures and parking. Mission Beach will be accessible for residents throughout the entire event period, but organizers suggest planning ahead for possible traffic delays.